Haunted Chocolatier Is 'More of an Action RPG' Compared to Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley's creator just spilled some new details on his long-awaited follow-up, and fans of monster-slaying should get excited. According to a new GQ interview covered by IGN, Haunted Chocolatier is shifting genres from a pure farming sim to something more combat-focused.

Developer Eric Barone (aka ConcernedApe) told the outlet his new game is "more of an action RPG." He described the main focus as "adventuring, finding equipment and getting more powerful." The game will feature monsters and boss fights, a significant step up from Stardew Valley's optional mine-diving.

As reported by Eurogamer, Barone directly connected the new game's audience to a specific part of his last hit. He said Haunted Chocolatier "is for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines. That's what I do, honestly." The game is also set in a more "metaphysical" locale than the pastoral Pelican Town.

Barone remains characteristically meticulous and secretive about the project. He told IGN he's "torturing" himself over UI details like the chocolate recipe book, aiming for a design that is "perfect" and "delightful" for players. He also reiterated he won't show the game until it's fully baked, stating he'd "rather serve a fully baked bread" than a half-baked one.

Polygon notes the game shows "new signs of life" with these comments, but a release date remains firmly off the table. Barone is balancing development with overseeing the Stardew Valley 1.7 update, but per IGN, he's shifted his workflow to spend more time on his new haunted confectionery adventure.